Kevin wants to make it all gone as if it were nothing, just to give the feeling of unimportance, yet not
knowing that he has already crossed Rex's bottom line.
Rex listens to Kevin with a grin on his face. He picks the mug from the table and sips gently the superb
oolong tea. The bitter-sweet fragrance of that tea refreshes the palate with an explosion of flavor.
"Do you know the reason I invested in Bit Inc.?" bursts Rex out of the blue, leaving Kevin astonished.
Kevin still remembers the first time he saw Rex. At that time Rex was already a successful
businessman, way more than he was. Kevin was in negative with the annual capital turnover and Rex
had been the only one who had hope in him and helped him moving forward.
He also remembers that Rex was wearing a black suit and no tie that day, and he could never dream of
the watch on his wrist. His assistant reported that he could only give him 20 minutes as he was
expected in another meeting shortly after.
Kevin used his whole twenty minutes wisely explaining everything in detail while Rex was listening
carefully and throwing one or two questions from time to time, nothing more.
Kevin was sure that he was meeting his very end, but unexpectedly he got Rex’s money the day after.
He was relieved. The company could make terrific changes and stay afloat just because of Rex.
But just now, Rex asked Kevin why he should invest in Bit Inc.
As for Kevin, he thinks that his company has no obvious advanytages, and the only advantage is that
the company is engaged in the profession that Rex wants to invest in. Therefore, he gives a dumb safe
answer, "Because of the company's culture and value?!"
Although the answer is aleatory, it makes most investors feel reassured.
Rex laughs, briefly but enough to make people around nervous, "No, the real answer is because it is an
environmental technology company and you believe in charity."
Kevin is stunned, but he saw that coming. After all, Rex has been giving his money to charity for a very
long time.
"Bit Inc. is a company worth all money and efforts and mostly because you have a great potential, still
unexpressed." Rex has never said this before, and he adds, "But, I do not like the way you are going
right now, it goes against my principles."
What Kevin did later goes against to the original words exchanged between them at the very beginning.
The feeling is not good at all.
When Kevin hears this, he knows that Rex is serious, and immediately he gets serious too, "Rex, is not
a big deal. It’s some time now that the company is up and running and we always solved all issues
quite well, perfectly I would say."
He used the word “perfectly” to describe the work injuries?
Rex smiles again and nods, "So how are you going to solve it ‘perfectly’ this time?"
He deliberately emphasized the word to mock Kevin.
Kevin holds back for a long time before going, "We could give him whatever compensation he wants,
enough for him to live well without working for the rest of his life, or hiring him back at the basic-level
position until he gets to the pension."
Rex puts down the mug he was holding, his black eyes meet the blue pupils of the British man, just as
the night sky is clashing with the day-bright sky.
"Kevin, you do know that all that man wants, is a public apology, more than a compensation." Rex
gives no quarter and no room for Kevin to escape.
Kevin's face finally changess, showing embarrassment. He cannot understand the reason behind Rex’s
actions over a small employee. "If we take it so seriously and make so much fuss about it, it is going to
be bad for the company."
"So when things happen, you must solve them instead of procrastinating them."
Kevin is speechless in front of the disarming truth.
"Make an apology statement." Thunders Rex calls off the meeting.
Since Kevin is not the major investor and does not hold many shares, all he can do now is to deal with
it and heed Rex’s commands. "Rex, you know that Bit Inc. is in a period of rapid development, if now..."
"Bit Inc. has to make a public statement and apologize or it will be done for." Rex looks at the person
beside him, "We only have two options, getting bit and live to fight another day or to be devoured alive."
Kevin cannot find his words. He was damn sure he could handle it keeping a low profile, until now.
"You are lucky it is me the one who found it out and not our competitors. If the shepherd leaves the
sheep to roam freely, the wolves will definitely eat them. Don't give others any opportunity." Every Rex’s
word pierces through the chest of everyone around.
Kevin is still petrified and after some minutes of silence he finds the courage to ask, "When do we have
to issue the statement?"
Rex gets up, raises his hand and glances at his watch, "A statement must be issued for sure, but now
is not the time. I will be in touch."
Rex goes straight to his house after declining the invitation for lunch from the high-ups. His house is
actually a three-floor villa in the suburbs with balconies, a small garden and a heated swimming pool.
The architectural style is avant-garde white and dark brown, giving the appearance of modern dwelling.
Fraser follows him in, looking thoughtful, even a little distracted when he parks the car in the basement.
When Rex is waiting for the elevator, he asks without looking back, "If you have anything to say, just
say it."
Fraser is lost in his own thoughts and realizes he’s been caught by Rex, he freezes. Then he knows
that Rex understood what he was thinking in his heart so he just goes for it, very unnaturally and
coughing, "Boss, why didn't you ask Kevin to issue the statement right away? Why wait?"
Rex says back moving sinuously, "Nothing related to business, it is just personal."
"Personal?" Fraser is more and more confused. That has never been Rex’s style as he never mixes
duty with pleasure or private matters, knowing very well that it would cause disturbance or irreparable
damages.
"The accident happened under Lily’s watch and since I have the authority to handle it, she must come
to me.” His real intentions are revealed.
Fraser realizes that is all because of Lily, wondering if it is not too extreme.
Rex sees Fraser concerned and takes the opportunity to exchange opinion with him as he has always
been wise and silent, "I know it's an unorthodox way, but it's the only way." He smiles bitterly and
helplessly, "She does not give me the chance to talk, ever. So…"
She is stubborn to the extent that his tenderness is useless.
He knows Lily well, if he gives up, there will be no future for them, but if she refuses him once again,
Rex will let her be peacefully.
To do nothing, just obey humbly, that is just not Rex. Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven,
right?
In either way he will have his final answers, or rather whether if she still cares or not.
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